The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) the Department of the Army and elected officials broke ground today on the final two-mile section of the Fairfax County Parkway through the Engineering Proving Ground (EPG). When construction is completed on the first two phases of the four-phased project in 2010, motorists will have a direct route from the Fairfax County Parkway to I-95.
“Virginia has a long history of working with the Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration to address BRAC-related environmental issues and improve coordination between transportation and land use,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce R. Homer. ” We look forward to continuing this partnership in a cooperative effort that will directly benefit Northern Virginia motorists.”
The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) originally proposed to relocate more than 18,000 jobs to the Fort Belvoir area. The Commonwealth worked successfully with the Army on reducing that number to 8,500 to ease the strain on the transportation network and to relocate remaining jobs to others areas in the region.
“The Army is glad to be able to join with Fairfax County and VDOT in getting this long-needed road project underway,” said Assistant Secretary of the Army Keith Eastin. “The agreement we’ve reached to finish the Fairfax County Parkway is a great demonstration of what can be done when people roll up their sleeves for the common good. This is a win-win for Northern Virginia.”
“The Federal Highway Administration, Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division, is honored that VDOT and the Army have requested our assistance in the delivery of this very important project in Northern Virginia. We have a qualified design and construction team assembled to deliver the project, eager to start work and complete this project as envisioned by all partners,” said FHWA Division Engineer Melisa Ridenour of the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division.
The Commonwealth, FHWA and the Army have worked together to create a partnership where all parties will share the burden to address the impacts of BRAC. The agreement states that:

• The Army will provide the needed right of way for construction through the EPG; limit the total number of personnel at the EPG to 8,500; pay for all costs associated with modifications or additions to VDOT’s project necessary to accommodate the BRAC improvements; complete the environmental cleanup of the Parkway right of way through EPG; and pursue implementation of five other road projects providing additional access into the EPG;
• The Federal Highway Administration will administer final design and construction of the Parkway and pursue funding for the project, including improvements at the interchanges with I-95 and Franconia-Springfield Parkway; and,
• VDOT will provide $70 million to the Federal Highway Administration; acquire right of way, and maintain the Parkway after construction is finished.
FHWA’s most recent cost estimate to complete all four phases of the Parkway project is $174 million. Phase I, which will cost $94 million, is the four-lane section between Rolling Road and Fullerton Road that will provide direct access to I-95. Phase II, is a $17 million interchange at Rolling Road and the EPG entrance.
Future phases, totaling $63 million, will be constructed as funding is identified. Phase III relocates Hooes Road and Rolling Road with improvements to the interchange at the Fairfax County Parkway and the Franconia-Springfield Parkway, and Phase IV is a loop ramp at Boudinot Drive. VDOT, FHWA and the Army will each pursue additional funding to construct the remaining phases.
“This is an exciting day for Fairfax County as we turn dirt on a critical missing link in our regional transportation network,” said Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly. “This has been one of my top priorities as Chairman, and I am proud of the efforts of all involved to fulfill a vision outlined more than 30 years ago to connect southern and northern Fairfax County.”
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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

Page last modified: Nov. 3, 2008